2021 F-150 vs 2022 F-150 Lightning

How can two Ford F-150 models separated by only one model year be completely different? That’s what we’ll learn today.

The 2021 truck is a gasoline model that offers a few different powertrains to deliver the power and performance of the most popular truck in the market. The Lightning model, new for 2022, is an electric truck that never needs to use gasoline at all. Comparing these two models feels like comparing apples to oranges, but since they are both models that wear the same name, there’s a chance these trucks share a few items between them.

What are the Pros and Cons of the 2021 Ford Truck?

Pros

• Towing, payload, and power are tops in the class
• All-new interior with more functions and more luxury
• Power Boost hybrid model added for 2021
• Innovative features, including an onboard generator
• Several configurations and trim levels
• New Tremor off-road package
• More capable Raptor model

Cons

• Top trim gets pricey
• Improved exterior styling is attractive but not a distinct change from previous models
• Largest versions can be complex to part and maneuver
• 450-horsepower high-output engine for the Raptor only
• No diesel engine option

What are the Pros and Cons of the Lightning?

Pros

• Up to 320 miles of driving range
• Plenty of torque
• Strong payload and towing abilities

Cons

• Price jumps a great deal from the base model to the next trim

The Interiors Offer Some Similarities

Both versions of the Ford F-150 offer comfortable designs and upgraded materials. The 2021 version was completely redesigned to give you new combinations and colors to enjoy. The center stack of this truck delivers the technology offered with a navigation system, stereo, climate controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

Moving to the 2022 Lightning, you’ll find some items that make this truck the advanced model you want to enjoy. This vehicle has vinyl upholstery and manual seats in the base Pro trim. If you move to the XLT model, you’ll find an interior work surface where the shift lever retraces into the center console to create a workspace for a laptop. Luxury trims deliver reclining front seats that fold down nearly 180 degrees to give you a great place to enjoy a quick nap when you’re away from home and need to recharge your batteries.

The Powertrains are Completely Different

If you choose the 2021 Ford F-150, the closest thing you see to what the 2022 Lightning offers is the hybrid powertrain. The powertrains you’ll find in the 2021 Ford truck include:

• 3.3-liter V6 engine, 290 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of torque
• 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, 325 horsepower,400 lb.-ft. of torque
• 5.0-liter V8, 400 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque
• 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, 400 horsepower (450 in the Raptor), 500 lb.-ft. of torque
• 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine, 430 horsepower, 570 lb.-ft. of torque

These powertrains give you various towing, payload, and fuel economy levels to have the drive you desire when you need a truck to help get things done. This truck offers a maximum of 14,000 pounds of towing.

Turn to the Lightning model, and you’ve got two different power levels, both of which come from electric motors. Both offer two 3-phase fixed-magnet AC electric motors attached to two extra batteries.

The standard-range battery delivers 426 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, 230 miles of driving, and 7,700 pounds of towing. The extended-range battery brings you 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque,320 miles of driving, and 10,000 pounds of towing.

If you want an electric truck to help you get things done, this is the one that delivers what you’re looking for.

Several Trims for Each Version of the F-150

The 2021 Ford half-ton truck offers you a variety of trims, including XL, XLT, Lariat, King Range, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor. You can choose from three cab configurations and a couple of different bed lengths to have the truck that delivers the size you want.

The base model of the 2021 Ford truck offers you:

• 17-inch steel wheels
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology
  • Forward collision warning
  • Dynamic brake support
  • Hill-start assist
  • Pre-collision assist
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Rearview camera

Moving to the Lightning model, you find three trims: Pro, XLT, and Lariat. These trims offer a great place to begin the electric truck experience. Every model is set up as a crew cab version with the same truck bed. The base Pro model gives you:

• Powered hood
• Vinyl upholstery
• Two 120-volt outlets
• Four 120-volt outlets in the frunk
• Two USB ports in the frunk
• 2.4-kW Pro Power Onboard package
• Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0
• 12-inch infotainment system
• Enhanced voice recognition
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices
• Navigation system
• Wireless updates

Appearance Qualities of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

From the XLT trim upward, the Lightning model has an LED strip across the hood that connects the LED headlights. The Lariat trim offers a red LED strip at the vehicle’s rear. The Lightning models each have their grille appearance packages. The Pro model does not have running boards, but the XLT and Lariat trims do. You will enjoy 18-inch alloy wheels for the Pro trim and larger 20-inch wheels for the higher trims. The frunks are impressive, offering 14 cubic feet of a storage area that can hold up to 400 pounds.

Should You Drive One of These Ford Trucks?

If you’re looking for an excellent truck to drive, you might enjoy everything Ford offers. Whether you look a year back and find one of the remaining 2021 F-150 models that should come at a great price or turn to the new 2022 Lightning model with its electric powertrain, you’ll have a truck you can easily depend on and enjoy. Head over to your local Ford dealer and find the right truck to drive and enjoy every day.